In the interest of security and protecting your information, STLS is implementing a new password securing method for your library cards. This will only affect those who use Libby and STARCAT. It is a simple change to help improve your safety. If you have any questions you can contact your library or STLS for help with this process.
“One moment can change a day, one day can change a life, and one life can change the world.” ~Buddha
The library will be closing at 5pm today due to a budget meeting at Genesee Valley Central School. We are sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for understanding.
Sincerely,
Curtis Decker, Director of the Belmont Library
Welcome to the land of stories, the happening world of characters from all genres! Today we will be creating our own characters! You can have a written character sheet, a sketch, or a combination of the two! Whatever your creative outlet, we can make it.
This can be as simple or as complex as you wish to create. There are no wrong answers! Let your imagination run wild!
(clipart image of a plant from classroomclipart.com)
Our library has a spider plant that has been recovering nicely from being sun-starved. To help motivate them in getting better and continuing to be a bit of greenery here at the Belmont Library, I have decided to ask you patrons: what you think we should name our leafy friend?
Come to the library and leave your suggestions and I will make a decision, or, if we have a few names that are repeated, I will go with the most mentioned name. (Note: please be appropriate in naming our spider plant).
From Curtis Decker, Director of the Belmont Library
In Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula,” most readers would recall the terrifying vampire’s haunting image as he stalks the British country side. There have been countless retellings of Dracula, and vampire stories in general. But what about the typewriters?
In the story, the characters collect information in the form of written letters, telegrams, and typewritten notes. This may not seem like a big deal on the surface, but it was revolutionary. The typewriter was invented in 1868 according to the Library of Congress’s data base. “Dracula” was not written until 1897. Why is this important? Normalcy.
The usage of the typewriter in “Dracula” is an example of the normalization of new technology within the society of the time. Before the invention of the typewriter, communication in fiction was limited to letters written by hand. But as technology advances, how we tell stories changes.
The YouTube channel Overly Sarcastic Productions gives a good example for the modern age. Cell phones. At this point, most of American society cannot imagine life without being able to instantly call/text/message/contact anyone the know. This is reflected in modern fiction/fantasy writing. As technology and society changes, so do our stories. Most of the concepts and everyday devices we experience (and take for granted) may not be relevant 100 years from now. Perhaps the future will have flying cars, but for us that is still a fantasy that wows us.
What truly marvelous inventions do we consider “normal?” And how is this reflected in our stories? How does this shape our view of the world?
(YouTube video “Trope Talk: Those Dang Phones” by Overly Sarcastic Productions)
Becoming an author can seem like a daunting challenge, and that is just writing the book. What do you do after you have finished writing? How do you get published? Who is your target audience. One of the best ways to get help in this is from an author that has already faced these challenges and is willing to help new writers on their way.
Michael Frederick is the author of the “Fire of Grace” book series that we have available at the Belmont Library. Michael Frederick is from Arizona and takes the time and dedication to promote his works to libraries across the U.S. He has started a podcast to help new aspiring authors take flight. Below is a link to Frederick’s website where you can see his publications, contact him, and listen to his podcast. Taking the first steps into published authorhood does not have to be a solo journey.
The new event for the library this month of April is rudimentary book binding! With paper, string, and a bit of creativity, you can make your own notebook! Come down anytime the library is open and participate in this fun craft!
This musical group takes a “backwards” move with modern songs. Instead of updating past songs into modern styles as musicians sometimes do, this group takes modern songs and mixes them with the classic style of interments like the piano and cello. This particular video is their instrumental rendition of the popular boy band One Direction’s song “What Makes You Beautiful.” With a unique twist of playing the piano in a choreographed manner, they create both a visual song as well as an auditory one. Enjoy their creativity!
(YouTube video of One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful (5 Piano Guys, 1 piano) – The Piano Guys)
Another unheard of musician for your listening enjoyment. Madilyn Mei has a sound like the sunny days of childhood. Asking such questions as where do praying mantis go to pray? Having us look at those magical ideas of childhood. Lyrics that feel formed of words from a time when the world was a dream. Enjoy this whimsical and wonder-filled song of hers.
(YouTube music video “The Chapel” by Madilyn Mei)
